Man dead after "cherry picker" truck bucket suddenly collapses

Gainesville Polce: OSHA called in to investigate

Posted: 10:46 AM, May 31, 2014Updated: 10:46 AM, May 31, 2014

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. - Officers were dispatched 1753 NW 14th Avenue in Alachua County, after an employee in the bucket of a company's cherry picker truck was about 45 feet in the air. Investigators say that is when a loud noise was heard and the mechanical arm supporting the bucket suddenly collapsed.

Investigators say Eric Gillum, an employee of Advanced Tree Service was working. The bucket fell and struck the cab of the truck, ejecting Gillum onto the sidewalk.

Authorities say EMS arrived and transported Gillum to UF Shands, where he was pronounced dead.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration was contacted and and investigator from Daytona Beach was called in, to find out what went wrong.